ॐ Jai Gajanan ॐ
Akhadas, Sadhus and the Amrit Snan at Kumbh Mela 2027
An akhada is an order of sadhus, and the Amrit Snan is the main Kumbh bath, when the akhadas go to the bathing place in a grand procession and bathe first. At Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, the Shaiva akhadas, including the Naga sadhus, bathe at Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar, and the Vaishnava akhadas at Ramkund in Nashik. The 2027 Amrit Snans fall on 2 August, 31 August and 11 or 12 September.
The akhada processions are a central part of every Amrit Snan. This guide explains who the akhadas are, what happens on an Amrit Snan day, and how to watch safely.
What an akhada is
An akhada is a traditional order, or brotherhood, of sadhus, with its own mahants and customs. During the Kumbh, the akhadas stay in camps and go to the bathing place in procession on the Amrit Snan days.
For the 2027 Kumbh, land is being prepared for a "Sadhugram", the camp area for the sadhus. The Kumbh Mela Authority has been reviewing its layout, roads, water, sanitation and lighting.
The 13 main akhadas
There are 13 main akhadas. Seers of all 13 attended the June 2025 meeting where the Maharashtra government announced the 2027 Kumbh schedule, PTI reported. They are commonly grouped like this:
- Shaiva (sanyasi) akhadas, devoted to Lord Shiva: Juna, Niranjani, Mahanirvani, Atal, Avahan, Anand and Panchagni.
- Vaishnava (bairagi) akhadas, devoted to Lord Vishnu: Nirmohi, Digambar and Nirvani.
- Udasin and Nirmal akhadas: Bada Udasin, Naya Udasin and Nirmal.
Shaiva and Vaishnava: who bathes where
At Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, the akhadas bathe at two places. The Shaiva akhadas, including the Naga sadhus, bathe at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar. The Vaishnava akhadas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik.
This goes back to an old dispute over who would bathe first, settled by the Peshwa. Read the full story in why the Kumbh has two snan sites and our history of the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh.
Naga sadhus
Naga sadhus are ascetics of the Shaiva akhadas, and many smear their bodies with bhasma (sacred ash). At Nashik-Trimbakeshwar, they bathe at Kushavarta in Trimbakeshwar during the Amrit Snans.
Treat their procession as a religious moment, not a show. Keep your distance, do not try to touch the sadhus, and ask before taking a close photograph.
What happens on an Amrit Snan day
On an Amrit Snan day, the akhadas go to the bathing place in a procession, or Shobha Yatra, in an order set by the administration, and take the holy dip first. At Kushavarta, the kund is reserved for the akhadas, and pilgrims are allowed in only after all the akhadas have bathed. Pilgrims can bathe at the same time at the other ghats the administration sets up. Follow the police and volunteers on where and when you can go to the water.
The 2027 Amrit Snan dates are:
- 2 August 2027: First Amrit Snan, on Ashadh Somvati Amavasya, at both sites.
- 31 August 2027: Second Amrit Snan, on Shravan Amavasya, at both sites. It is considered the most important.
- 11 September 2027: Third Amrit Snan at Ramkund, Nashik.
- 12 September 2027: Third Amrit Snan at Kushavarta, Trimbakeshwar, for the Shaiva akhadas.
See all the dates in our Kumbh 2027 dates and Amrit Snan schedule. The Kumbh itself begins earlier, with the 31 October 2026 flag hoisting.
Why Shahi Snan is now called Amrit Snan
The main bath used to be called "Shahi Snan", meaning the royal bath. At the June 2025 meeting, Mahant Rajendradas Maharaj suggested calling it "Amrit Snan" (also written Amrut Snan), and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accepted it, PTI reported. The name Amrit Snan was also used at the 2025 Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
So "Shahi Snan" and "Amrit Snan" mean the same bath. Older articles use the first name and new ones the second.
Tips for watching the Amrit Snan safely
- Reach the night before. As currently planned, private vehicles will not be allowed into Trimbakeshwar town on the main snan days, so do not plan to drive in that morning.
- Follow police and volunteers. Stay behind barricades and use the routes they show.
- Keep children and elders close. Agree on a meeting point before you step out.
- Carry little. Water, ID, some cash and a charged phone are enough.
- Bathe after the akhadas, or at another ghat. Kushavarta opens to pilgrims only after the akhadas have bathed. If you do not want to wait, use one of the other ghats the administration sets up.
- Respect the sadhus. Do not block their path, touch them or push for photographs.
Our first-time Kumbh guide has more on crowds and family travel. If you are new to the Kumbh, read what Simhastha means and the difference between Simhastha, Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh and Maha Kumbh.
Staying close to Kushavarta
Our Bhakta Niwas is on Jawahar Road, about 1.5 km from Kushavarta, a 10–15 minute walk. Guests' vehicles can come to the Bhakta Niwas, and check-in is open 24 hours, so you can arrive the night before a snan.
Read where to stay during the Kumbh and follow our latest Kumbh updates for traffic plans. Bookings are only by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 90311 67563. For the whole picture, see our complete Simhastha Kumbh 2027 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is an akhada in the Kumbh Mela?
An akhada is a traditional order of sadhus, with its own mahants and customs. During the Kumbh the akhadas stay in camps and go to the bathing place in procession on the Amrit Snan days. There are 13 main akhadas.
How many akhadas are there?
There are 13 main akhadas. They are commonly grouped as seven Shaiva akhadas, three Vaishnava akhadas, and the Udasin and Nirmal akhadas. Seers of all 13 attended the meeting where the 2027 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh schedule was announced.
What is the Amrit Snan?
The Amrit Snan is the main bath of the Kumbh. The akhadas go to the bathing place in a procession and bathe first. Pilgrims bathe at Kushavarta after them, or at the same time at the other ghats. At Nashik-Trimbakeshwar in 2027, the Amrit Snans fall on 2 August, 31 August and 11 or 12 September.
Where do the Naga sadhus bathe at the Nashik Kumbh?
The Naga sadhus belong to the Shaiva akhadas, which bathe at Kushavarta Kund in Trimbakeshwar. The Vaishnava akhadas bathe at Ramkund in Nashik. Kushavarta is about 1.5 km from our Bhakta Niwas.
Why was Shahi Snan renamed Amrit Snan?
At the June 2025 meeting on the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh, a seer suggested calling the bath Amrit Snan instead of Shahi Snan. The Maharashtra Chief Minister accepted it. The name Amrit Snan was also used at the 2025 Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Planning a stay in Trimbakeshwar?
Book on WhatsApp or by phone at +91 90311 67563. Check-in is open 24 hours, and all 3 satvik meals are included.